The Accidental Viscountess by Caro Kinkead

Author:Caro Kinkead [Kinkead, Caro]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780998070353
Publisher: Caro Kinkead

The sun streaming through the window combined with an unholy racket from outside pulled Martin from slumber. Drayton Manor, wedding yesterday, he turned his head to find Dorothea stirring next to him. Rogers said something about the locals serenading us.

With a groan, he threw back the covers, retrieving his dressing gown from the foot of the bed. Wrapping it close about him, he padded across the floor to retrieve Dorothea’s nightdress and robe from where they’d been discarded the night before. “What is that noise?” he heard Dorothea ask from behind him.

Turning, he found Dorothea sitting up in bed, the covers wrapped around her more for warmth than modesty. “The tenants have come to serenade us. It’s a local custom. They serenade in the morning, so you pay them in ale to go away.”

“And we must make an appearance, looking fresh from bed?” She held out her hand to take her garments. “There is a similar custom in Buxdale. They bring the new couple a strong bowl to fortify them so they’ll return to bed.”

She pulled the nightdress over her head, then scrambled out of bed as she pulled her robe about her. “But the couple’s also expected to offer food and drink in return. Shows their household will be welcoming to guests.”

Thank goodness she didn’t act missish about the idea; he liked the interruption no better than she, but he understood the importance of observing the customs. Striding to the door, he called for his valet. Moments later, both Barker and Mercer appeared. “Mercer, your lady needs to dress. Barker—”

“Knowing of the custom, I laid out something simple for you to wear. No cravat, I think.”

“Excellent.” He took a deep breath. “Now, I think we need to make an appearance at the window.”

He offered his hand to Dorothea and she took it, allowing him to lead her to the window. Outside, a group of musicians were gathered, who might well have been celebrating before their arrival. The crowd with them carried holly, a symbol of hope for fertility. A ragged cheer went up when Martin opened the window, pulling Dorothea in close to join him. A new song was struck up, something about health and happiness. The words were a bit unintelligible, but the sentiment heartfelt.

When they were done, Martin leaned forward. “Lady Abernathy and I thank you for your warm wishes on such a cold morning. If you’ll return to the front, Rogers has some refreshments waiting. We will join you shortly.”

Another ragged cheer and the crowd began to disperse generally in the direction indicated. Pulling his head back inside, he closed the window, “Ready for your first appearance as Lady Abernathy?”

“Better your tenants than the Ton,” she said. “Your tenants don’t bite.”

“You haven’t met them.” He gave her a brief kiss. “Get dressed, but remember this is casual. We’re all going to pretend we tumbled out of bed and threw something on so we’re decent.”

He headed back to his room, trailed by Barker. When he was nearly dressed, Martin realized how comfortable he’d felt with Dorothea.

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